PROGRAM SPECIALIST I4158A6 Pay Grade: 20 DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is technical and specialized work interviewing clients to obtain information needed to determine eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits, training programs, job referrals and other program services. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - LEVEL B: "Under general supervision…" Employees working under general supervision usually receive some instructions with respect to the details of most assignments but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and subject to only periodic checks. Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average… Where the employee is confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration. Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category. Complexity - LEVEL C: Work is of a standardized nature that may involve a variety of duties. Analytical thought becomes more important at this level due to increased data and changing situations. Tasks usually have several steps, some of which may not be directly related. Alternatives may exist for processes or methods to be used in solving problems. Workers at this level exercise a moderate amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by routine review and reporting to or consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they tend to be more complicated or technical in nature requiring careful interpretation. Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL B: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are minor as the work is normally reviewed regularly and errors are usually detected in following operations. Errors may be disruptive to co-workers or may cause minor inefficiency. Costs due to errors are minimal. Contacts - LEVEL B: The purpose of the contact is to plan, coordinate and advise on work efforts, interpret guidelines or instructions, elicit opinions or give guidance on the basis of facts to resolve common issues or problems when the information is not sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are working toward mutual goals and have basically cooperative attitudes. Well developed communication skills are required. Physical Demands - LEVEL A: The work is predominantly sedentary and requires minimal or negligible physical exertion. The employee is normally seated; however, the nature of the work allows for periods of standing or walking at will. Environmental Conditions - LEVEL A: The work environment involves normal everyday hazards or discomforts typical of offices, meeting and training rooms, or libraries. Comfortable levels of temperature, ventilation, lighting and sound are inherent in the work environment. Exposure to deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is only occasional. The likelihood of injury is remote. Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL A: No supervisory or leadership responsibility; may explain work instructions or assist in training others. Distinguishing Factors Differs from the Program Specialist II class which is technical and administrative and includes determining eligibility issues or training needs. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Obtains information from clients and assesses needs and eligibility for programs and services; identifies and refers eligible clients to programs and/or services; provides clients with information about other available programs, services and/or resources. Contacts employers in order to provide or obtain information relating to program activities; explains program activities and services to employers. Processes information obtained from various sources in accordance with standard procedures, rules and regulations. Prepares written reports on information obtained in interviews with clients or contacts with employers; prepares correspondence to employers and clients; prepares reports on office activity. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS Knowledge Knowledge of interviewing procedures and techniques. Knowledge of program procedures, guidelines and related rules, regulations and statutes. *Knowledge of basic arithmetic. *Knowledge of English usage and written communications. Knowledge of available services and resources. Abilities *Ability to communicate factual information and ideas orally and in writing. *Ability to distinguish relevant information from all information gathered. *Ability for form sensible conclusions based on all relevant information. *Ability to deal with people in an impartial manner. *Ability to retain self-control under stressful conditions. *Ability to use discretion in obtaining and providing information. *Ability to follow oral and written instructions. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: One year of experience interacting with clients, customers, or the public in a social service, customer service, or problem resolution setting. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency. NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Some positions in this class are Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) and Local Veterans' Employment Representative (LVER) positions. (DVOP) positions: Candidate must be a qualified disabled veteran or other qualified veteran. (LVER) positions: Candidate must be a qualified disabled veteran, veteran, or eligible person as set out in Title 38 USC Section 4101(5). NC: 06/94 |